Trasheik Croom’s journey is a tale of ambition, determination, and personal growth. Born in St. Louis, Missouri, and raised in Birmingham, Alabama, Trasheik moved to Atlanta with dreams of higher education and a better future for herself and her daughter. However, the realities of life soon set in, and she realized she needed to find a job to support herself while studying.

Throughout her early career, Trasheik embraced a variety of roles, including working as a shuttle van driver and truck driver. Yet, despite her efforts, she felt trapped in a cycle that led nowhere—a “hamster wheel,” as she would describe it. Desiring something more fulfilling, she sought a stable career path that also offered opportunities for advancement.

It was during an information session at Goodwill’s South Dekalb Career Center that Trasheik discovered her breakthrough—the Maintenance Technician training program. Here, she found the chance to learn new skills and build a future. The icing on the cake was finding out that her training could be funded through the SNAP E&T program, allowing her to enroll with hope and excitement.

The program was no ordinary training; it included hands-on courses that covered everything from Certified Apartment Maintenance Technician skills to OSHA safety training and plumbing, electrical, and pool maintenance. Trasheik dove into her training with enthusiasm and commitment. She even completed on-the-job training with a BH Management apartment complex, where her knack for learning and her positive attitude quickly caught the attention of her resident manager.

Graduation brought with it the promise of a new beginning. With support from Robert Cummings, her Goodwill Employment Specialist, Trasheik secured a job with Villas 52 Apartments as a Maintenance Technician.

Reflecting on her journey, Trasheik said, “My experience was what I made of it. It was more amazing and supportive than I could have ever imagined. The Goodwill team was incredible; I have so much to say about the support they provided. Even when I wavered, they reassured me not to worry.”